Synopses & Reviews
This is the first of two volumes describing the development of Wittgenstein's philosophy from the Notebooks and the Tractatus to Philosophical Investigations and his other later writings. Volume I is divided into two parts: Part I surveys the whole of Wittgenstein's work, while Part II examines in detail the central ideas of his early system. Although Pears focuses on the internal organization of Wittgenstein's thought, he also investigates the origins of Wittgenstein's philosophy, relating it to the philosophies of his predecessors and contemporaries. Revealing how the details of Wittgenstein's work fit into its general pattern, Pears offers scholars, students, and non-specialists alike unusually clear insight into the philosopher's thought.
Review
"The clarity of exposition and the detail with which the arguments are untangled makes this an excellent book for student use."--International Studies in Philosophy
"An excellent treatment of the early philosophy of Wettgenstein and some of his dominant theories."--George L. Farre, Georgetown University.
"[Pears'] book is a lucid statement of one important way of reading Wittgenstein. He faces up to some of the most difficult passages of the text, asks many of the right questions, and sheds light on many important issues. It is well written, and a pleasure to read. It should be read by anyone who is interested in the philosophy of Wittgenstein." --NOUS